Ben Thompson of The Rock Barn with assorted charcuterie.

Mark your calendars now for one of DC’s best dining events. On December 16, 2014 the 2014 StarChefs Washington DC area Rising Stars Gala will be at Dock 5 at Union Market. There’s even a special VIP reception where swells can sip champagne and nibble on Petrossian caviar before the awards ceremony and tasting gala dinner. The celebration will feature local foods, chefs, bartenders, roasters, brewers, artisans, and sommeliers.

The fundraiser for DC Central Kitchen will be hosted by Bryan Voltaggio former Top Chef and Top Chef Master finalist and Chef/Owner of Volt, Range, Lunchbox, Family Meal and Aggio. Co-Hosts are Jason Alley of Comfort, Bertrand Chemel of 2941. Nadine Brown of Charlie Parker Steak, Chris Ford of Range, Stefan Trummer of Trummer’s on Main, Nick Stefanelli of Bibiano and Katsuya Fukushima of Daikaya. The winning chefs will prepare all the food on this fabulous night and I will be there. Will you?

 Tickets and information are here.

Drum roll, please!!! Ladies and gentlemen, I give you DC’s newest culinary royalty.

Phillip Perrow and Caleb Shriver of Dutch & Company.

DC Chefs

Kyle Bailey of The Arsenal at Bluejacket  – Pork Loin, Chanterelles, Asian Pears, Red Quinoa, and Pecans.

Mike Friedman of Red Hen – Cavatelli, Heirloon Squash, Mushrooms, and Sage.

Matthew McGhee of RANGE – Octopus, Lentils, Wheat Berries, and Pistachio.

Joe Palma of Bourbon Steak – Fluke Crudo, Furikake, Golden Beets, Herb Jus, Baby Turnips, and White Shoyu.

Aaron Silverman of Rose’s Luxury – Pork Sausage and Habanero-Lychee Salad.

Johnny Spero of minibar – Australian Lamb, Cucumbers, Whey, and Dill.

Beef Tartare from Lee Gregory and Thomas Leggett of The Roosevelt.

Virginia Chefs

Ian Boden of The Shack – Pretzel Gemelli, Virginia Ham, and Mustard Sauce

Austin Fausett of Trummer’s on Main – Duck, Foie Gras, Popcorn, Wild Rice, and Balsamic Reduction

Lee Gregory of The Roosevelt – Wagyu Tartare, Egg, Squid Ink Bread, and Pickled Watermelon.

Phillip Perrow and Caleb Shriver of Dutch & Company – Rye Perfect Egg, Cured Salmon, Quinoa, and Cumin Yogurt.

Joe Sparatta of Heritage – Flounder, Smoked Potatoes, Spinach, and Brown Butter.

Maryland Chefs

George Marsh of Parts & Labor – Lebanon Bologna.

Graeme Ritchie of Volt – Wagyu Short Rib, Malt, and Salsify

Community Chef

Mike Isabella of Kapnos – Australian Lamb with Grain Salad.

Concept Chef

Nathan Anda of Red Apron – Tête de Pho.

Pastry Chef Giane Cavaliere of Rogue 24.

DC Pastry Chef

Giane Cavaliere of Rogue 24 –Sour Cherries, Valrhona Chocolate, Cola, and Pistachios.

Maryland Pastry Chef

Sarah Malphrus of Woodberry Kitchen – Buttermilk Sorbet, Oat Granola, Sorghum, and Peaches.

Restaurateur

Derek Brown of Columbia Room, Eat The Rich, Mockingbird Hill, The Passenger and Southern Efficiency – Oloroso Float.

DC Artisans

Dave Coleman and Mike McGarvey of 3 Stars Brewing Company – Southern Belle Imperial Brown Ale.

Austin Fausett of Trummer’s on Main – Duck, Foie Gras, Popcorn, Wild Rice, and Balsamic Reduction.

Virginia Artisans

Evrim Dogu of Sub Rosa Bakery – Rosemary Sea Salt Flatbread.

Benjamin Thompson of The Rock Barn – Pickled Okra Dog, and Assorted Charcuterie

Maryland Artisans.

Jay Caragay of Spro Coffee – French Press Ethiopian Lekepipto.

Bartender

Bryan Tetorakis of Rogue 24 – The Martyr.

DC Sommeliers

Brent Kroll of Neighborhood Restaurant Group – Pairings with winners’ dishes.

Julian Mayor of Bourbon Steak – Pairings with winners’ dishes.

Maryland Sommelier

Julie Dalton of Wit and Wisdom – Pairings with winners’ dishes.

Host Chef

Franck Loquet of iCi Urban Bistro – VIP reception – Petrossian Caviar.

See you there!